Cableway with alterable cable position

ABSTRACT

The present invention is of a cable way comprising a beam with a fixed support structure to which a circular or an arc-shaped track is attached. A track cart, to which one end of a carrying cable is connected, is movably assembled onto the track. The principles of the invention include that the ends of the carrying cables may move in any direction, provided the distance between the two cable end attachment points and thus the cable tension remains unchanged. By moving the track carts the gradient and position of the carrying cable can be altered individually and controlled in the horizontal as well as vertical direction in order to efficiently increase the use of space and reach of a cable way. In particular, loads, which move on the carrying cables by force of gravity, can be influenced in both direction and path of motion.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to German Patent Application, 10 2005 032 239.8, filed Jul. 12, 2006

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cable or rope ways with unsupported hanging cables have been known for over a century and are designed to transport loads and persons by cable vehicles. Such cable ways are mainly used in tourist areas, amusement parks or the transport industry.

Cable ways generally consist of a tensioned cable between a minimum of two suspension structures. To accomplish a change of cable direction, cables may be diverted over additional support masts or the entire suspension structure may be moved.

The load transport vehicles are moved either by force of gravity subject to the cable gradient in combination with a braking system, or by motor power through additional pulling or rotating cables to which the load carrying vehicles are attached in a fixed manner.

BACKGROUND ART

Cable Way systems in many cases can make load transport more flexible, dimensionally more variable and potentially more economic.

The basic set up of a cable way is disclosed in the patent document DE000000479671A. This is a cable way designed for passenger transport, where the cable car travels between an upper and a lower suspension point. The example also shows support masts between the two end suspension structures. This cable way is characteristic of the basic set up of most cables ways to date.

A variance to the standard set up is disclosed in the document EP 1 026 061 A2. This cable way consists of two end suspension structures, the mountain and the valley station, but the cable is diverted over intermediate support posts several times. Through this construction it is possible to make better use of horizontal space versus cables which are suspended in one straight path only. The course of this diverted cable is fixed.

The patent document US 2005/0087089A1 describes a ropeway, which also includes two fixed suspension positions of the cable, but the cable can be lifted and lowered without changing the cable direction or the position of the suspension attachments. This allows for a limited dimensional positioning in a vertical direction.

Cable cranes consist of cables which are fixed to suspension structures, which can be moved horizontally on the ground or even tilted, so that the cables can be moved over a horizontal area in a limited way. These end suspension structures are in contrast to fixed end suspension structures like mountain or valley stations or masts which do not allow a change of cable position. Document DE000000493943 shows the area of use and the path of the movable suspension structure.

Basically, all cable way systems, regardless if set up with fixed or conveyor like carrying cables, consist of two cable ends with fixed positions, which are attached to end suspension structures. The load vehicles are generally cabins, harnesses or seats, or lifting devices. Cable cranes allow for a limited or horizontal repositioning of the carrying cable by moving the entire end suspension structure, which requires even ground and no obstacles. Other cable way systems offer the possibility to change the cable position or gradient while the load is traveling only in a limited manner by tilting the end suspension structure. Such a system limits the horizontal repositioning of the cable.

There are no cable ways, known to the inventor, for passenger transportation which allow relocation or change of gradient of the carrying cable during operation with only one start and one end station that can be driven to. Cable ways which use gravity to move loads can only do this in one direction. None of the known cable ways have the ability to move the cable attachment points during operation solely in the vertical direction in order to reverse the gradient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a cable way comprising: a beam with a fixed support structure to which a circular shaped or arc shaped track path is attached by bracings. A track cart, to which one end of a carrying cable of a cable way is connected, is movably assembled onto the track path.

The principles of the invention include that the ends of the carrying cables may move in any direction, provided the distance between the two cable end attachment points and thus the cable tension remains unchanged. By moving the track carts the gradient or position of the carrying cables can be altered individually and controlled in the horizontal as well as the vertical direction.

In particular, loads, which move on the carrying cables by force of gravity, can be influenced in direction and moving path by change of the carrying cable gradient. If instead of a single carrying cable a rotating conveyor type cable powered by a motor is used, the loads can be maneuvered more precisely.

The distinct advantage of the invention is the possibility to efficiently alter the path and direction of a load during operation in the vertical as well as horizontal direction, without having to move the entire end suspension structure, such as a cable way station or a mast, resulting in a more economic use.

Cable ways according to the invention for passenger transportation will be more attractive to users. Moreover such cable ways can make better use of dimensional space and those, which use the power of gravity, can do so without additional pulling or rotation conveyor type cables.

In an alternate embodiment, positioning two tracks opposite to each other at an angle of 90 degrees with both their longitudinal centers located on one virtual axis allows for a more flexible use of the space in between the tracks.

In another embodiment, a track is arranged horizontally, consisting of one of a circular section or a complete circle track onto which one or more track carts are movably assembled. One end of each carrying cable is connected to said track cart while the other end of each carrying cable, having a suspension point as part of a suspension structure, is positioned in the geometric centre of the track circle or section, allowing for an optimized radius of use.

In another embodiment, a set-up particularly attractive as a joy ride is created if carrying cables are connected to one or more beams that are rotatable around their middle axis, causing the ends of said carrying cables to move along a circular track. Attaching multiple carrying cables to a rotating beam allows for moving the passenger transport cabins in opposite directions and to different positions at the same time while permitting passenger transport cabins to be loaded or unloaded simultaneously at the lowest point.

In a particular version of the invention the load is a self-controlled passenger amusement vehicle equipped with a passenger controlled rotor brake. The vehicle is moved by force of gravity along the gradient of said carrying cable. This allows gravity to be used for entertainment in connection with changing gradients. For the case of multiple cables, each vehicle can be independently controlled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a basic set up of the invention with one fixed cable end and one movable cable end.

FIG. 2 shows a carrying cable with two movable ends.

FIG. 3 shows a cable way, where the one end of carrying cable can move in vertical direction and the other end in horizontal direction.

FIG. 4 shows a cable way, where one end of the carrying cable is attached movable on a circular track.

FIG. 5 shows a cable way, where one end of the carrying cable is attached movable on a horizontal circular track.

FIG. 6 shows a cable way, where the end of the carrying cable is moving on a horizontal circular section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will be described by the following preferred embodiments. The basic principle of the invention is that the ends of carrying cables of cable ways are movably attached on a circular track section or an arc shaped track, which allows for a relocation of the entire carrying cable in order to make use of gravity or additional space and dimension versus a fixed cable track.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the invention as an amusement ride. The carrying cable 1 is suspended between the end suspension structure 8 and the movable track cart 2, which can roll along the bow type track 4 that is supported by bracings 3. The load 5 being a passenger transport vehicle, which is speed-controlled by an air resistant brake 12, including a rotor moves, along the carrying cable 1 with descending gradient 8 by force of gravity. If the movable track cart 2 is lifted by a winch 10 and a hoisting cable 11 that is diverted over the pulley 9 it will move along the track 4 upwards and the gradient 8 of the carrying cable 1 will change and eventually reverse. The passenger transport unit 5 will then move in the opposite direction. By use of flaps which cause an air resistance the passenger transport vehicle 5 can be turned around. As an amusement device this set up has the advantage of changing the moving direction during operation to increase the ride sensation and to offer various viewing perspectives. Additionally the speed may be influenced by change of the gradient 8 of the carrying cables 1.

If the passenger transport vehicle is powered by a pulling rope or rotating conveyor type cable, higher traveling speeds, accelerations and decelerations in combination with various heights and gradients can be accomplished.

FIG. 2 shows a variance of FIG. 1, also designed as an amusement ride. The carrying cable 1 is suspended between two movable track tracks 2, which both can move along a track 4 that is supported by bracings 3. This version of the invention allows a very extreme change of gradient 8 of the carrying cable 1, as well as the set down of the load 5 or passengers to ground level on both ends of the carrying cable 1. The winch control units of this set up are synchronized, which means the movements of the track carts 2 depend on each other and always move in opposite direction. If the left track cart 2 is hoisted upwards by the hoisting cable 11 that runs over a pulley 9 the winch 10 winds up while the other hoisting cable 14 which holds the right track cart 2 in place is unwound. This ensures that both track carts 2 remain at the same distance from each other at any time, which results in a constant cable tension.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the invention as a passenger transport system. The building 18 has a track 4 attached to it by bracings 3, mounted onto a vertical beam 6. The buildings 16 and 17 each have one end of the beam 6 attached to them, which carries the horizontal track 4 supported by bracings 3. The carrying cable 1 is suspended between the track carts 2 and carries a passenger cabin 5. An entry/exit station 15 is located at each end of the tracks 4. By moving the track carts 2 along the track 4, each cable end can reach two stations 15. Particularly in cities this transport system is very efficient compared to fixed bridges between buildings, due to its flexibility. Alternatively this system may also be used for the distribution of goods.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the invention, where the ends of each carrying cable 1 are moved along a closed circular track. This set up requires a minimum of two carrying cables 1. The ends of the carrying cables 1 are attached directly to a rotating beam 6, which is supported by bracings 3. Due to the different length of each beam 6 each carrying cable 1 is suspended at an angle. The beams 6 are mounted onto an axis 13 in their centre and one of those axes is rotated by a motor 10, which is located on the support structure 7. This set up is suitable in particular as an amusement ride, because multiple, multi-armed or disc type beams may be used to move more than two carrying cables. If one beam 6 is rotated by the motor 10, all carrying cables 1 rotate around the axis line 21 on which both axes are embedded and change their gradient and position. The interactive passenger vehicles 5 will move in alternate gradient directions, controlled by rotor brakes 12. Passenger vehicles 5 which are moved by motors may move into any direction along the carrying cable 1 while rotating around the axis 21. This type of cable movement is currently not known in cable ways art and offers a completely new motion sequence for passengers.

FIG. 5 shows an extended version of the track 19 in the horizontal dimension in combination with the vertical track 4. The track 19 is enclosed as a circle, which is assembled to beams 6 by bracings 3. The beams 6 also form a circle and are mounted onto support masts 7. Several tracks 4 are mounted onto a vertical beam 6 by bracings 3, located in the centre of the circular track 19. The beam 6 is turnably assembled onto an axis 20 with its base 22 resting on the ground. Every vertical track 4 is equipped with a movable track cart 2. The carrying cables 1 are suspended between a vertically movable track cart 2 and a horizontally movable track cart 2 that moves long the circular track 19. When the track cart 2 moves along the horizontal circular track 19 the carrying cables rotate around the track's centre. Simultaneously the track carts 2 which move along the vertical track 4 can change the gradient of the carrying cables 1 freely in order to move the loads 5. The efficient use of space makes this set up suitable for amusement rides with passenger vehicles as well as a load transport system.

FIG. 6 shows another example of the invention as a load transport system. The horizontal track 19 is attached to a beam 6 by bracings 3. The beam 6 is supported by masts 7 to pass over uneven ground 23 e.g. with hills, or other obstacles. The vertical track 4 is also attached to a beam 6 by bracings 3 and is mounted turnably onto an axis 20 which rests in a ground mounting 22. The carrying cable 1 is suspended between the vertically movable track cart 2 and the horizontally movable track cart 2, which runs along the track 19. If a load is supposed to be loaded onto the load carrying device 5 this device can be moved horizontally to the desired position and the vertical track 4 will rotate. The gradient of the carrying cable 1 changes when the track cart 2 moves along the vertical track 4 so that a load can be moved by gravity to a desired position like an unloading point. By lowering the track cart 2 completely to the ground unloading can be done automatically, for example by tilting a bucket.

The invention is not intended to be limited to these embodiments which are shown by way of example, but rather to encompass the use of track carts with all variances that allow the repositioning of carrying cables. 

1. A cable way for persons or loads with one or more carrying cables, a load carrying device and two end suspension structures each with a cable attachment comprising: one end of said carrying cable being connected to a track cart, said track cart being movably assembled onto an arc-shaped track, said arc-shaped track being supported by a beam, wherein a gradient and a position of said carrying cable are freely alterable and controlled in any direction while holding said load.
 2. The cable way according to claim 1 wherein both ends of said carrying cables are each connected to one of said track carts, whereby said track carts are movably assembled on said track.
 3. The cable way according to claim 1 wherein two tracks positioned opposite each other at an angle of 90 degrees with both their longitudinal centers are located on one virtual axis.
 4. The cable way according to claim 1 wherein a track arranged horizontally consists of one of a circular section or a complete circle track onto which one or more track carts are movably assembled, one end of each carrying cable being connected to said track cart while the other end of each carrying cable has a suspension point as part of a suspension structure being positioned in the geometric centre of the track circle or section.
 5. The cable way according to claim 4 wherein said track is arranged horizontally.
 6. The cable way according to claim 4 wherein said suspension structure is vertically assembled.
 7. The cable way according to claim 4 wherein said vertical suspension structure is turnably assembled.
 8. The cable way according to claim 4 wherein a track cart and a vertical track are assembled to said vertical suspension structure.
 9. The cable way according to claim 1 wherein said carrying cables are connected to one or more beams that are rotatable around their middle axis, causing the ends of said carrying cables to move along a circular track.
 10. The cable way according to claim 1 wherein said load is a self-controlled passenger amusement vehicle equipped with a rotor brake and moved by force of gravity along the gradient of said carrying cable.
 11. The cable way according to claim 1 wherein said load is moved by force of gravity.
 12. The cable way according to claim 1 wherein said load is moved by motor power.
 13. The cable way according to claim 12 wherein the power is transferred by pulling a conveyor type cable.
 14. The cable way according to claim 12 wherein the power is transferred by rotating a conveyor type cable.
 15. The cable way according to claim 1 wherein a load is a passenger or goods transport cabin, movable to two or more separate load and unload end stations at one of a first or second end or on both ends of said carrying cable by alteration of the carrying cable position or gradient. 